2018 Toyota GT86 Subtly Modified

Highlights

• Stunning GT86 in superb order

• Less than 15,000 miles from new

• VO UEL catted manifold with ECUTek mapping by Abbey Motorsport 

• Selectable maps and auto-blip downshifts

• Short-shift transmission

• Brembo brake upgrade using OEM parts

Overview

It’s astonishing to think that nearly 15 years have passed since Toyota revealed the GT86 at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, with the Subaru BRZ that was developed alongside it (and essentially the same car).

But what that means is that the sporting GT that found instant reverence with the PistonHeads community, regardless of which badge it wore, is now knocking on the door of becoming a future classic – and if you can find a good one it's certainly a car to preserve. In time, we expect the GT86 will be almost as legendary as the AE86 whose name inspired it.

It's actually quite difficult to put into words what's so special about the GT86. Attractive without being drop-dead gorgeous and lively without being ridiculously powerful, it's a car whose modesty comes together and works beautifully. 

Part of that appeal is down to the naturally aspirated Subaru-designed boxer engine – the warbly 197bhp flat-four driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission in a manner as engaging, and as tail-happy, as a Porsche 911 or early Mazda MX-5 – easily controllable, but happy to wag its rear end, and well-balanced thanks to the low centre of gravity afforded by that Boxer engine. It sounds pretty cool, too. 

It was, quite frankly, one of the most entertaining driver’s cars ever made. This one has been with the current owner for three years and is a genuinely super-low mileage car that has covered less than 15,000 miles from new, which makes it even more of a candidate to become a future classic. 

It was bought due to the owner’s love of Japanese GTs and a desire to create a bespoke track car, though the reality is that it has barely been used in anger, and has only covered a couple of thousand miles a year with the vendor, the majority of which have been on the road – it’s a combination of a busy and hectic life and a total lack of time that have led to it not being used as much as the owner would have liked, and it has spent most of the winter in dry storage.  

It’s a lovely, genuine and barely run-in example that has been tastefully and very subtly modified, and will make a terrific example for its next owner to love, cherish and enjoy. 

History and documentation

• UK registration document in the name of the vendor

• First registered 31 July 2018 and supplied new by Burrow’s Toyota of Barnsley

• MOT until 30 July 2026, with no advisory notices

• Two previous keepers

• Original handbook and book pack

• Two keys

• Service history book stamped as follows: PDI (2018, main dealer); 1,690 miles (2019, main dealer); 3,148 (2020, main dealer); 3,964 miles (2021, main dealer); 4,527 miles (2022, main dealer); 8,978 miles (2023, main dealer); 11,735 miles (2024, Abbey Motorsport/GT86 specialist); 13,215 miles (2025, Abbey Motorsport/GT86 specialist)

• Invoice for new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres in July 2024, since when car has covered less than 4,000 miles

• Invoices totalling over £6,000 from Abbey Motorsport since 2023, detailed in Mechanical section below

Interior

• Black and charcoal leather and Alcantara upholstery in very good condition 

• The interior is described by the vendor as in great condition, and still with a ‘new car’ smell to it

• Double-DIN Kenwood head unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

• USB port routed into glovebox 

• Gerald Just Projects TracBox trackday equipment

• Button box that works alongside the TracBox, allowing the traction control to be fully turned off, disable TPMS and also force the cooling fans on – useful to have on a track day

• Fully functional infotainment system
• Factory Toyota head unit will also come with the car

• Heated seats

• Cruise control

• Clean luggage area

• Drilled alloy-effect pedals

Exterior

• Original black paint in great order 

• Some very minor stonechips to front end

• 18-inch Advan Racing RGII alloys in superb order, with very minor kerb marks to NSR wheel

• Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all-round, with less than 5,000 miles covered (fitted 2024)

• An extra set of brand-new Protrack alloys, which are a specific fitment for the GT86/BRZ and come with brand new Michelin PS4 tyres, are available by separate negotiation

• Some very minor marks on windscreen

• Presented in fabulous condition overall

• Underside appears sound and has been treated by Abbey Motorsport with rust-inhibiting treatment

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre normally aspirated flat-four

• 197bhp

• 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds

• 140mph top speed

• Most recently serviced in July 2025, less than 1,000 miles ago

• Maintained and improved by GT86/BRZ specialist Abbey Motorsport since 2023, with invoices totalling over £6,000

• New AVO UEL catted manifold

• ECUTek mapping by Abbey Motorsport – including selectable maps and auto-blip downshifts 

• HKS Oil cooler 

• Killer B Motorsport oil pick-up 

• Retrofitted upgraded Brembo brake set-up using OEM parts – was only available on club spec cars in Europe

• Stainless HEL brake lines 

• DBA Brake Discs

• Carbotech XP8  brake pads

• Motul RBF 600 fluid suspension 

• KW V3 Coilovers 

• Pedders offset front top-mounts 

• Hardrace front lower arms 

• Cusco rear lower control arms 

• Cusco rear toe arms 

• STi trailing arms 

• MCA Traction mod 

• Alignment setup by Abbey Motorsports 

• TRD Engine Mounts

• TRD Gearbox Mount 

• TRD Short shift kit 

• Cusco differential inserts 

• All of the above modifications are documented and certified, but despite the performance focus, the vendor reports that the car is entirely suitable and usable for road purposes   

Summary 

The GT86 was a car that was just about an instant classic when new, and is very much in demand today. After all, there are few cars out there that handle as well, are as agile or offer such accessible thrills and performance. 

This one is a stunner. With a genuinely low mileage, a small fortune spent and some highly effective but also extremely subtle modifications that fly under the radar unless you know about them, it’s a car that promises thrills and excitement whilst still being eminently usable. 

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This car is located in Welwyn Garden City, Herts